FAIRMONT– The Martin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday heard from County Attorney Taylor McGowan who noted that Aug. 1 was a significant day in the state as it marked the legalization of recreational cannabis.

McGowan said he’s spoken to the attorneys in his office and they’re considering how to address pending matters and matters going forward as far as what they can and cannot enforce.

“I’ve also talked to some law enforcement about how drug interdiction will be changing in the county going forward with this law,” McGowan said.

He said even though the law has gone into effect, there’s a lot of issues that won’t be resolved until the process is through the court system.

“It’s going to be significant changes,” McGowan said.

He also shared that he received an email from the county attorneys association, which provided a model ordinance for prohibiting cannabis use in public. McGowan said he forwarded it to the county coordinator as it’s something the board can consider.

Commissioner Elliot Belgard said it seems like no sales will be made until at least 2025. McGowan said as long as products are under .3 percent concentration they’re legal.

“This law is significant in what it allows as far as edibles and things like that, a lot of stuff was legal under Minnesota law,” McGowan said.

However, he said the new law will have big effects on businesses and that he predicts it will be “rough going” over the next year as the state and its counties figure out what they’re doing.

In other news, the board heard from Derek Behrens with Bolton & Menk regarding bids received for the courthouse drainage project and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) improvements.

“We had four bids which was good. Unfortunately all four were higher than our estimate,” Behrens said.

He said they believe that’s due to the complexity of the site since it’s on the lake bank.

Commissioner Kathy Smith shared that the county has $80,000 in APRA funds set aside for the project.

“It’s got to be done. This has been put off,” said Belgard.

The board awarded the bid to M.R. Paving and Excavating, Inc. of New Ulm, the low bidder, in the amount of $308,890.

In other business, the board:

— Approved a resolution to enter into a detour agreement for T.H. 4 with MnDOT.

— Approved the retirement resignation of Valerie Jepsen, prohibition administrative assistant.

— Approved the hire of Luke Nielsen as highway maintenance specialist.

— Approved the hire of Yajayra Mireles Balderas as a temporary full time correctional officer.